Caution: Fireworks can be fun – and dangerous

June 27, 2013

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 12:28 p.m.

1 of 7

"Safe and Sane" fireworks, here on display at the Orange County Fire Authority headquarters in Irvine on Wednesday, are the only kind that are legal in California. They do not go up into the air, explode or move on the ground in an uncontrolled way. JOSHUA SUDOCK, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 7

"Safe and Sane" fireworks are identifiable by this State Fire Marshal's seal and can only be purchased at licensed fireworks stands. JOSHUA SUDOCK, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

A small collection of illegal fireworks sits on display at Orange County Fire Authority headquarters. Firefighters remind Orange County residents to look for the "Safe and Sane" seal on all fireworks before purchasing. JOSHUA SUDOCK, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 7

Alma Andrade, right, and Harley Shafer of the Templo Calvario Royal Rangers in Santa Ana open up their fireworks stand in this 2011 file photo. FILE PHOTO PAUL RODRIGUEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 7

"Safe and Sane" fireworks are identifiable by this large State Fire Marshal's seal on them and can only be purchased at licensed fireworks stands. JOSHUA SUDOCK, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

"Safe and Sane" fireworks, here on display at the Orange County Fire Authority headquarters in Irvine on Wednesday, are the only kind that are legal in California. They do not go up into the air, explode or move on the ground in an uncontrolled way. JOSHUA SUDOCK, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Safety tips

•Never allow children near fireworks.

•Avoid fireworks packaged in brown paper; it's a sign that they were made for professional displays.

•Always have an adult around.

•Never place any part of your body over a device when lighting. Back up to a safe distance quickly.

•Never try to relight or pick up duds.

•Never point or throw fireworks.

•Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy.

•Never shoot off fireworks in metal or glass containers.

•After fireworks complete burning, douse with water.

•Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Independence Day celebrations

Authorities are encouraging Orange County residents to celebrate the Fourth of July by attending one of the many public fireworks displays staged by professionals. Here are a few events:

•Fullerton

What: 24th annual Community Fireworks Show and Festival

Where: Fullerton High School Stadium, 700 N. Lemon St.

When: 5-9:30 p.m. July 4. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

•Santa Ana

What: Third annual Fourth of July City Celebration

Where: Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.

When: 4-10 p.m. Sunday. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

•Huntington Beach

What: 108th annual Fourth of July Celebration

Where: Huntington Beach Pier

When: July 4. Fireworks start at dusk.

Source: Orange County Fire Authority

Graphics

As Orange County residents celebrate America's birthday on what's expected to be a warm and sunny day, police and firefighters will be on the lookout for dangerous illegal fireworks and people who tamper with the legal ones.

Villa Park and Fullerton joined seven other cities in the county this year that allow the sale of "Safe and Sane" fireworks. The other cities are Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Westminster, Buena Park and Stanton. The state fire marshal defines Safe and Sane fireworks as those that don't explode or launch projectiles.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, illegal and homemade fireworks were involved in all six fireworks-related deaths reported in 2012.

Orange County Fire Authority Fire Marshal Laura Blaul said fireworks are the fourth leading cause of wildfires in Orange County and urges residents to consider the dangers.

In the last five years, the fire authority responded to 77 vegetation fires caused by fireworks, Blaul said.

"If you are going to use legal fireworks in a city that allows them, make sure you do it away from trees, brush and other combustible materials," Blaul said.

In Santa Ana, extra officers have been on fireworks patrol.

On Saturday, officers confiscated six boxes of illegal fireworks, including Roman candles – an illegal firework that ejects stars or exploding shells. The person in possession was cited and released, said police Chief Douglas McGeachy, adding that the fireworks were purchased in Nevada.

"We've seen kids shooting Roman candles at each other from across the street," McGeachy said. "It's a projectile just like a bullet and it could definitely hurt someone, and if it lands on a tree or a roof, it could cause a fire."

FIVE ARRESTS MADE

Last year, Santa Ana police issued 44 citations and responded to 187 fireworks-related calls and made five arrests between July 1 and 4. The previous year, police issued 23 citations and made 12 arrests, McGeachy said.

"We want to encourage people to use Safe and Sane fireworks and use them in the manner that they are intended to be used so everyone can enjoy the Fourth of July and won't have any injuries and damage," McGeachy said.

To curb the use of illegal fireworks – such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, mortars and aerial shells – Garden Grove police will have 28 officers assigned to handle fireworks-related calls.

Garden Grove police officers will be issuing $100 or $1,000 citations to violators.

"It's up to the discretion of the officers," Garden Grove police Lt. Kevin Boddy said. "For example, if a person is caught with a firecracker he may receive a $100 citation, where if he is caught with five mortars he will receive a $1,000 citation."

Last year, officers issued 77 citations that carried a $1,000 fine. The previous year, 44 people were given $1,000 citations and seven received a $100 citation.

"I've worked the last four years and you look throughout the city and it's like Disneyland on every corner," Boddy said.

In 2011, a man using a Roman candle shot himself in the head. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Boddy said.

FULLERTON JOINS IN

For the first time since 1990, Fullerton residents will be allowed to light up safe fireworks, but the sale and discharge of fireworks is prohibited in fire-prone areas, including Coyote Hills and the Brea Dam Recreational area, said Fullerton Fire Department Deputy Chief Julie Kunze.

"There are always concerns when fireworks are involved," Kunze said, adding that there will be extra firefighters on hand.

In Buena Park, vendors will start selling fireworks July 1 and OCFA fire-prevention staff will be on hand to verify that sellers comply with municipal codes. OCFA, which also serves Santa Ana, Westminster, Stanton and Villa Park, will inspect 127 fireworks stands.

Buena Park police warn about the danger of firing guns into the air to celebrate.

"Every Fourth of July we have calls of guns being discharged," said Buena Park Police Chief Corey Sianez. "It's hard to identify the shooters without the help of the public because by the time we get there the person is gone."

In 2002, 9-year-old Xavier Morales of Anaheim was killed when a bullet fired into the air hit him as he watched a fireworks display at Boisseranc Park on Dale Street in Buena Park. The case remains unsolved.

"It's a terrible tragedy," Sianez said.

To report illegal fireworks or other illegal activity call your local fire or police department.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.